Paris 2024 Paralympics: Key Highlights and Historic Moments

The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, taking place from August 28 to September 8, 2024, mark a significant milestone in the history of the Paralympics as they are hosted in the French capital for the first time. Over 4,400 athletes from around the globe are competing in 22 sports across 11 days, aiming for a share of the 549 medal events. This year’s Games also see a record number of female competitors, with 236 medal events dedicated to women, underscoring the commitment to gender parity and inclusivity in sports

The Games opened with a spectacular ceremony on August 28, where athletes paraded through the iconic Avenue des Champs-Elysées to the Place de la Concorde, marking a first for the Paralympics by hosting the opening ceremony outside a stadium.

Among the standout performances, American para cyclist Oksana Masters defended her gold in the individual time trial, and Jessica Long secured her 17th Paralympic gold in the women’s 400m freestyle S8, adding to her already impressive tally of 30 Paralympic medals

The competition spans various venues in Paris and its suburbs, including iconic locations like the Grand Palais, the Champs de Mars, and Roland-Garros. This year, the Paralympics have integrated more events tailored for athletes with higher support needs, including the introduction of new classifications in para judo and boccia, offering more opportunities for diverse athletes.

On September 4, the para swimming events saw Jessica Long winning her first gold of these Games, while Noelle Malkamaki set a new world record in the women’s shot put F46 with a throw of 14.06 meters. Meanwhile, the men’s 400m T12 event witnessed a dramatic reallocation of medals due to classification reviews, highlighting the ongoing dedication to fairness and integrity in the Games.

The Games continue to showcase a wide range of sports, from wheelchair basketball, where Team USA recently triumphed over Great Britain in a thrilling quarterfinal match, to para archery and para athletics, where new champions are being crowned daily. With several days of competition still ahead, fans can look forward to seeing more records broken and inspiring stories unfold as athletes push the limits of human endurance and skill.

By focusing on the athletes’ achievements and highlighting the Games’ historic aspects, the Paris 2024 Paralympics continue to inspire millions worldwide, promoting the values of inclusivity, resilience, and athletic excellence.

For more updates and live coverage, visit the official Paralympic website and Olympics website.